I'm a patent litigator, and like a fair number of lawyers in the field, I have a science background (I was a chemistry m
Covington Spotlight: Erica Andersen In celebration of National Women's Month, we have asked Covington’s female trial lawyers to share a bit about their paths as litigators. In today’s feature, we shine the spotlight on Erica Andersen.
What do you enjoy most about the legal profession? I learn something new almost every day–about some area of science I haven't encountered, about some new nuance of the law, or about how to structure complex litigations. I also very much enjoy preparing for trial, and the strategy that goes into whittling the case down into what you are going to tell the Judge or jury. And I can't imagine working with a better group of colleagues. How did you choose this path? I'm a patent litigator, and like a fair number of lawyers in the field, I have a science background (I was a chemistry major in college). I found my coursework interesting and challenging, but my lab work was fairly solitary, and I knew being a bench chemist was not my calling. My father is also a lawyer so I had exposure to the law, generally. I also was fortunate to have mentors in the chemistry department who were familiar with patent law and thought it might be a good fit. And it was! I'm able to learn new aspects of science, and to read, write, and strategize–and I'm able to do so in an incredibly collaborative environment. Managing litigation also taps into my love of organizing–it isn't something I knew I'd like initially, but it is incredibly satisfying. What do you consider to be your greatest professional achievement or defining moment during your career? I was a fourth year associate, and an issue arose late on a Friday where we needed emergency relief in one of our pharmaceutical patent cases. This reached the general counsel and CEO level–it was both important and time sensitive, as the client wanted to make a statement on a quarterly earnings call that
week. The senior members of the team were pulled in various directions that weekend, and I was the point person drafting the submission and interacting with the client. We faxed our letter to the Court early Monday morning, and by Tuesday morning the parties had reached a compromise. Our client was ecstatic. After that, I knew the training wheels were really off the bike–and that I could rise to the challenge and get a great result. On a more recent note, I did my first opening statement in a patent case last winter, and I found that exhilarating. Which individuals have inspired you the most? My high school chemistry teacher, Dr. Liebermann. My college thesis advisor, Dr. Cava. My intellectual property professor in law school, Mark Janis. My parents and my husband–my mother for having an unmatched work ethic and for being a feminist ahead of her time, and my father and husband (both lawyers) for exemplifying doing well by doing good. I'm also greatly inspired by my colleagues at Covington, who are fantastic lawyers with superb intellects and sound judgment. Do you have any advice for women in the legal field? Find mentors you really trust, and then don't be afraid to share all aspects of your life with them. This job can be incredibly demanding, and having mentors that understand the things that are important to you and the particular challenges you face–both personally and professionally–is invaluable. Also, don't be afraid to ask for opportunities. It shows you are interested and engaged. Even when I ultimately have to say no, I'm not bothered by the request.
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